Lead designer mum on inside of proposed Sonics' arena

A team from 360 Architecture presented exterior designs for a proposed sports arena in SoDo to the Downtown Design Review Board for a third time Tuesday at Seattle City Hall. (Image courtesy 360 Architecture)

While exterior designs for a proposed sports arena in SoDo have been made public, the lead designer is being hush-hush about what is in store for fans once they pass through the gates.

"I can't really say too much right now, I'm sorry," Mathew Hallett told KIRO Radio. "I just know that what we have in store for this arena is something that you haven't seen in any arena in the country."

Meanwhile, Hallett and his team from 360 Architecture presented exterior designs to the Downtown Design Review Board for a third time Tuesday at Seattle City Hall. The $490 million facility will house the Seattle Supersonics should a group led by investor Chris Hansen be able to secure the Sacramento Kings.

"We're in the very early stages of (the design) right now and this is a process of evolution," Hallett said.

He said the team is not bothered by recent criticism of the arena's overall shape, including a Seattle Times article that likened it to a vegetable steamer. Hallett said the actual inspiration for the design was a photo of a jet engine.

"It maintains the form but air can still flow in and out," he said. "Not to mention it's a great meaning for the city of Seattle and how Boeing has kind of built the city of Seattle from its inception."

The design also includes two large plaza areas that can be utilized during off-seasons for art fairs, food festivals and even an ice skating rink during the winter months.

About the Author

Brandi Kruse
Brandi Kruse is a reporter for KIRO Radio who is as spontaneous and adventurous in her free time as she is on the job. Brandi arrived at KIRO Radio in March 2011 and has already collected three regional Edward R. Murrow awards for her reporting.